Staycations

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

staycation | stÄ-kÄ′shÉ™n |

1) an extended period of recreation, esp. one spent close to home
    : he took a staycation to Northern Minnesota  |  people come here on
    staycation [as adj. ]  |  a staycation retreat.
2) a holiday : how are you spending your staycation?
    DERIVATIVES  staycationer noun  |  staycationist |-ist| noun
    ORIGIN (vacation) late Middle English : from Old French,
    or from Latin vacatio(n-), from vacare ‘be unoccupied’
    (see stay or vacation) >>

A> Ar•row•wood Re•sort

’ar-(,)ó wüd ri-zort – noun
Guests staying at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center will run out of time before they run out of things to do. Located just two hours west of the Twin Cities in the city of Alexandria, Arrowwood features a 30-horse stable, complete with riding ring and trails, an 18-hole golf course, a full-service marina, the Big Splash Indoor Waterpark, Darling Reflections Salon, and Camp Arrowwood for kids ages 4-12. Accommodations range from lodge rooms and suites with lakefront views to luxurious four-bedroom townhomes.
www.arrowwoodresort.com

B> Black Bear Ca•si•no

blak bear kÓ™-‘se-(,)nÅ – noun
Black Bear Casino Resort appeals to kids of all ages, from the 10,000-square-foot indoor pool complex with a large swimming pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, and a kiddy wading pool to the newly-remodeled arcade, from three dining options to fit every taste, to big-name shows (Wayne Newton will be performing Aug. 17), and of course an extensive array of gaming with black jack, poker, slots, bingo, pull-tabs, and special giveways. The resort is located at the intersection of I-35 and Highway 210 in Carlton, just 20 minutes south of Duluth.
www.blackbearcasinoresort.com

C> Ca•noe Bay

kÓ™-‘nü bÄ – noun
The romantic destination of Canoe Bay, secluded among 280 acres of private, wooded land, is about two hours from the Twin Cities in Chetek, Wisconsin. “Canoe Bay is the ideal prescription for relaxation and romance,” says Lisa Dobrowolski, general manager of Canoe Bay. It’s the perfect place, she says, to enjoy award-winning dining, an impressive collection of fine wines, luxury, privacy, and stunning natural beauty. Lodging options include guest rooms, suites, cottages, or Edgewood, a two-bedroom villa. New additions include three private cottages and a three-acre organic garden and orchard.
www.canoebay.com

D> des•ti•na•tion North Shore

[as in Best Western superior inn]
A private cobblestone beach is just part of the charm of the clean, newly renovated, smoke-free Best Western Superior Inn & Suites, located in Grand Marais. This premier waterfront hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of unique village restaurants, shops, and galleries, and close to North Shore recreational attractions. For the ultimate in luxury, request a “Renewal Spa Suite” with a double whirlpool, gas fireplace, fabulous steam shower, wet bar, private balcony, and views of Artist Point.
www.bestwesternsuperiorinn.com

E> East Bay Suites

ést bÄ swéts – noun
Panoramic views of Lake Superior are unforgettable at East Bay Suites in Grand Marais, a great getaway for singles, couples, families, and even the family pet. The suites are clean, comfortable, and affordable, you can take part in activities such as kayaking, hiking, biking and yoga on the beach (complimentary transportation is offered to nearby recreation areas), and restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance. Lodging options range from romantic two-person studios to spacious, luxurious three-bedroom suites that sleep up to eight. Most suites include a balcony or patio, kitchen, fireplace, TV with DVD, and wireless Internet.
www.eastbaysuites.com

F> Field•stone Vine•yards

feeld stohn vin-yerds – noun
The winery at Fieldstone Vineyards, set in a 1930s-style dairy barn—complete with stanchions behind the tasting bar—pays homage to the land that served as a family farm for 100 years. Today, Fieldstone supports local producers and farmers by ensuring that all grapes and fruit used in their wine is grown and harvested in Minnesota. Take a road trip to the winery during September (harvest time), to see complete grape processing from the de-stemming and crushing, to the pressing and fermenting. Bring a blanket out to the vineyard and enjoy a picnic lunch. Fieldstone Vineyards is in the southwestern city of Morgan, a two hour drive from the Twin Cities metro. Receive a free tasting (a $3 value) for mentioning this article.
www.fieldstonevineyards.com

G> Glen•sheen Man•sion

glen ÌshÄ“n ˈman shÉ™n – noun
Completed in 1908, at a cost of just under $1 million, the historic Glensheen resembles an early 17th-century English country estate. Located along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, the estate’s rolling terrain, gentle streams and grand gardens surround a 39-room Jacobean-style mansion. The land also features a carriage house, fountain, and gardener’s cottage, boathouse, bowling green and clay tennis court. A significant part of the city’s past is preserved at this magnificent estate. Make sure to pick up a book detailing the history of the Congdon family before going on a tour. Glensheen is open for tours throughout the year.
www.glensheen.org

H> Hud•son, Wis•con•sin

ˈhÉ™dsÉ™n wisˈkänsÉ™n – noun
There’s a saying that “location is everything,” and those visiting Hudson, Wisconsin would have to agree. What could be better than a beautiful spot between the scenic St. Croix River and the bluffs of western Wisconsin—all just 20 minutes east of the Twin Cities metro? This ideal location makes Hudson a convenient day trip for boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, golfing, camping, dining, and shopping. Make it a weekend trip and stay at a charming B&B or hotel, tour the Historic Octagon House Museum, or enjoy a show at the Phipps Center for the Arts. Visit during the Spirit of the St. Croix Days, Oct. 15-18, and enjoy family entertainment, educational opportunities, and a pro fishing event—The Professional Walleye Trail—during this fun fall celebration.
www.hudsonwi.org

I> inn

[as in River Road Inn]
The River Road Inn is located just upriver from historic Stockholm, Wisconsin, 70 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. The Inn features a luxurious Carriage House with a spa-like atmosphere as well as rooms located within the main building. The goal at the River Road Inn is to provide a restful, romantic, luxury spa-like experience for guests. The Carriage House has panoramic views of Lake Pepin and the glorious bluffs, a spa shower, king-size bed and vaulted ceilings. “We bring a basket filled with delicious organic coffee or tea and fruit and pastries, which we leave outside the door for our guests to enjoy in privacy,” says innkeeper Kathleen Burk. Guests can also arrange to have a massage in their room.
www.riverroadinn.com

J> Jack•pot Junc•tion

ˈjakËŒpät ˈjÉ™ ng k shÉ™n – noun
Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel is the perfect staycation getaway. Located in southwest Minnesota, just under two hours from the Twin Cities metro, Minnesota’s first casino offers 325,000-square-feet of live gaming excitement (two floors) with video slot machines, fast-paced table games, live poker, live entertainment, four superb restaurants, and a 375-seat bingo hall, in addition to the Rees Jones-designed Dacotah Ridge Golf Club, rated as one of the state’s best by Golf Digest. The Lower Sioux Lodge, adjacent to the casino, is an AAA Diamond Rated hotel with deluxe accommodations.
www.jackpotjunction.com

K> Ka•la•ha•ri Re•sort

ËŒkäləˈhärÄ“ riˈzôrt – noun
The African-themed Kalahari Resort, located approximately 200 miles from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Wisconsin Dells, is the grand-daddy of waterparks. The enormous indoor-outdoor waterpark features indoor surfing, a huge wave pool, a magnificent lazy river, tube slides, body slides, family raft rides, and zero-depth entry interactive play areas for the little ones. Trappers Turn, a 27-hole award-winning golf course is part of the fun, as is the Big Game Room, Spa Kalahari & Salon, restaurants, shops, and a ten-screen cinema (showing new releases). Kalahari features 750 beautifully appointed authentic African-themed guest rooms and suites.
www.kalahariresort.com

L> lux•u•ry hotels

[as in Hotel Minneapolis and Saint Paul Hotel]
The new Hotel Minneapolis, located in Minneapolis’ Midland Building, features 222 guestrooms, each equipped with the hotel’s hallmark of efficient technology, a 23,000-square-foot lobby with 18-foot marble columns, a living room-type lobby and The Lobby Bar. Adjacent to The Hotel Minneapolis is Minneapolis’ newest restaurant destination: restaurant Max. The elegant Saint Paul Hotel, built in 1910, is located across from Rice Park in St. Paul’s downtown historic district, just steps from the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Ordway Center for Performing Arts. The lobby of the hotel is the setting for afternoon tea parties throughout the year.
www.thehotelminneapolis.com
www.saintpaulhotel.com

M> Min•ne•so•ta Cen•ten•ni•al Show•boat

ËŒminəˈsÅtÉ™ senˈtenÄ“É™l ˈsh ÅËŒbÅt – noun
Docked at Harriet Island Regional Park on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat is truly an eye-catching attraction on the downtown St. Paul riverfront. Inside, guests are sent back in time by the interior’s Victorian-era decor and grand staircase, but the Showboat’s richest feature is its intimate 225-seat jewelbox theater. Opened as part of the State of Minnesota’s Centennial Celebration in 1958, the U of M Showboat Players’ summertime productions feature an interactive style of theatre based upon old-time vaudeville traditions, offering great music, wit, charm, and laughter to thousands of patrons per year.
http://showboat.umn.edu/

N> North•land Lodge

ˈnôrθlÉ™nd; -ËŒland läj – noun
Nestled on the sandy shores of Leech Lake, Northland Lodge offers world-class fishing, an escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life, luxurious amenities, and a family-friendly atmosphere (think beach-side volleyball and paddleboats). Choose from over 18 custom-built lake homes each designed with an “Up North” experience in mind. The Lodge is only minutes away from golf courses, bike trails, antique shops, casinos, dinner cruises, and fine dining.
www.andersonsleech-lake.com

O> On•tar•i•o, Canada and Thun•der Bay

änˈte(É™)rÄ“Å, ˈkanÉ™dÉ™,
ˈθÉ™ndÉ™r bÄ – noun
Visit another country (Canada) and an amazing city (Thunder Bay) within an easy and scenic eight-hour drive north of the Twin Cities. Enjoy unobstructed views of Canada’s No. 1 scenic wonder, the famous Sleeping Giant, at Marina Park. If you’d like a close-up look at the geographic icon, and the islands around it, check out a tour offered daily by Sail Superior. Watch history come alive at Founders’ Museum & Pioneer Village. Thunder Bay is also home to the world’s largest reconstructed fur trading post, Fort William Historical Park. Just a short drive outside the city is the magnificent thundering Kakabeka Falls; the beautiful Sleeping Giant Provincial Park; Thunder Bay Amethyst Mines (urban miners can pick their own amethyst); and Ontario’s Canyon Country, where you can walk along Canada’s longest suspension footbridge.
www.VisitThunderBay.com

P> pris•tine

ˈprisˌtēn; priˈstēn adj.
[ as in shorelines and untouched waterways, as in ELY]
Explore miles of untouched waterways and pristine shorelines in Ely, one of America’s last pure outdoor experiences. Find the perfect family-owned resort, motel, or campsite in the area (possibly canoeing for days?) The small town of Ely is a place to renew values, get in touch with nature, and spend quality time with friends and family. The great draw of Ely—for those in the region and around the country—is the close proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and massive Superior National Forest. However, those who visit rarely leave without checking out Ely’s local shops, studios, and galleries, charming restaurants and Northwoods eateries.
www.ely.org

Q> qual•i•ty time

[ as in “My family spends quality time at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge.”]
Stay in a house, cottage, golf condo, lodge room, or lake villa at the family-friendly Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Spend sunny afternoons boating, golfing, waterskiing, or fishing (Ruttger’s has enjoyed a reputation as a northern Minnesota fishing resort since 1898). Sip an icy cold cocktail on the deck at Bear Pine Bar. Wrap up the weekend with a massage or pedicure at The Fine Line Salon & Spa. The Brainerd Lakes Area itself has plenty to occupy vacation days including quaint gift shops in Nisswa, antique shopping in Crosby, specialty shops in Brainerd, and the Paul Bunyan Trail.
www.ruttgers.com

R> Ren•ais•sance Fes•ti•val

ˈrenəˌsäns; -ËŒzänsˈfestÉ™vÉ™l – noun
Experience what life was like during medieval times at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, operating weekends from Aug. 16 through Sept. 28. The European royal court, peasants, jesters, ladies-in-waiting, and knights-in-armor will temporarily reside in an Elizabethan-era village just three miles south of Shakopee on Highway 169. Enjoy shows (magic, juggling, comedy), jousting matches, games, children’s rides, a petting zoo, a marketplace featuring more than 275 unique artisans, and marvelous treats ranging from turkey legs to apple dumplings. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is one of the oldest and largest fairs in the country and features a different theme every weekend.
www.renaissancefest.com

S> sce•nic St. Croix

[ as in TAYLORS FALLS and ST. CROIX FALLS]
The Taylors Falls/ St. Croix Falls area is about 50 miles northeast of downtown St. Paul, yet feels like a world away. These beautiful river towns are oozing with small town charm and offer a multitude of things to see and do, including authentic paddlewheel boat rides aboard the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours (family owned and run since 1906), wildlife excursions along the St. Croix River (see bald eagles, turtles, fish, heron, and deer), and the Old Man of the Dalles natural rock formation (listed in Ripley’s Believe it or Not). Rent a canoe or kayak from Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental and paddle down the river, an easy paddle for beginners with no currents or rapids, hike through Interstate State Park, catch a show at Festival Theatre, sample some wines at Chateau St. Croix Winery, tour the historic Folsom House, check out original artwork at Gallery 135, picnic on a sandy beach, or beat the heat with water rides at Wild Mountain Water Park, Alpine Slides, and Go-Karts. The area is also home to great restaurants, shopping, ice cream parlors, and coffee shops.
www.saintcroixriver.com

T> Trea•sure Is•land Re•sort & Ca•si•no

ˈtre zh É™r ˈīlÉ™nd riˈzôrt kəˈsÄ“nÅ – noun
While staying at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Red Wing, just south of the Twin Cities, enjoy a Caribbean-themed adventure getaway with a wide variety of gaming options (more than 2,500 slot and video machines, blackjack, poker and bingo), live entertainment, several restaurant ranging from casual to elegant to unique (such as dining on the Spirit of the Water yacht), and a variety of overnight accommodations. Schedule a tee time at the 18-hole Mount Frontenac Golf Course or bowl a game at the new Island Xtreme Bowl. Feel free to bring the kids, too. There’s a large central swimming pool and childcare services available seven days a week.
www.treasureislandcasino.com

U> u•nique ex•pe•ri•ence

[ as in “Enjoy a unique experience at Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior.”]
Summer vacationers searching for a resort that has a little something for everyone will find Bluefin Bay a natural choice. A children’s program and play area keeps the little ones busy, and kids of all ages enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub/spa, indoor pool and whirlpool, volleyball and tennis courts, sea kayaking lessons, naturalist program, and complimentary use of mountain bikes. (A portion of the paved Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail runs right past Bluefin Bay.) Bluefin offers the entire resort experience—gourmet dining at Bluefin Grille, bonfires on the beach, charter fishing, outdoor activities, unwinding with a massage at the Superior Waters Wellness Center, and luxurious amenities within the midst of the North Shore’s rugged wilderness.
www.bluefinbay.com

V> vic•to•ri•an charm

[ as in ST. JAMES HOTEL]
The St. James Hotel in the historic town of Red Wing offers a true retreat experience, ideal for couples seeking a weekend getaway or chance to reconnect. The historic ambiance and Victorian charm of the hotel exudes romance—each guestroom is decorated with antiques and antique reproductions. Romance and B&B packages include meals in the hotel’s wonderful restaurants, drinks at Jimmy’s Pub, champagne, and his-and-hers massages. The hotel is located on the Mississippi River, with many rooms offering river views.
www.st-james-hotel.com

W> Wis•con•sin

[ specifically TOMAH]
wisˈkänsÉ™n – noun
Located midway between the Twin Cities and Milwaukee, where I-90 and I-94 divides, Tomah, Wisconsin’s “Cranberry Country,” is a vacation destination for several reasons. First, it’s cranberry country. The Tomah/Warrens area has over 2,500 acres of cranberry marshes, accounting for one-third of Wisconsin’s total cranberry harvest. Second, the area is home to over 200 Amish families, providing unique shopping opportunities. Take a self-guided driving tour through Amish Country, Cranberry Country, and the Bluff Coulee Region. One of the city’s newest attractions is a 12,000-foot-long Recreation Trail for walking and biking.
www.tomahwisconsin.com

X> x•plore

[ specifically COVE POINT LODGE]
ikˈsplôr
Cove Point Lodge is a nature lover’s paradise. Hike, bike, canoe, or watch the Lake Superior waves roll in as you adventurously explore or simply relax amid beautiful North Shore surroundings. Dine at restaurants on the property, walk to nearby shops in Beaver Bay, pick blueberries at Palisade Head, or read a book in front of a crackling fire. The pebble beach, pool, and a Frisbee golf course appeal to the younger crowd.
www.covepointlodge.com

Y> yum•my food, yum•my wine

[ as in FRESH TASTE FESTIVAL]
ˈyÉ™mÄ“ foÅd ˈyÉ™mÄ“ wÄ«n
Join in the fun at the inaugural Twin Cities Fresh Taste Festival, a day-long event to celebrate the best in organic, local, and sustainable food products and wines on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. The festival will feature more than 60 exhibitors of local food producers, restaurateurs and vintners, featuring culinary items from some of the top chefs in the Twin Cities and wine samples from renowned national and international winemakers.
www.freshtaste.com

Z> zoo

[ as in MINNESOTA ZOO]
zoÅ – noun
With more than 2,400 animals, the Minnesota Zoo brings education and entertainment to life. Russia’s Grizzly Coast, a new, interactive exhibit, features grizzly bears, sea otters, Amur leopards and wild boars. The exhibit has been a smash hit since opening in June. In addition, kids are loving the new splash pad water play area adjacent to Russia’s Grizzly Coast in the Zoo’s renovated central plaza. Another great offering at the Minnesota Zoo is Family Programs, including overnights, classes and camps for kids grades K-12 (along with their favorite adults). Adults looking for a fun date night should also check out the Music in the Zoo Concert Series.
www.mnzoo.org